Metropolitan Marriage Tribunal

Purpose

Church law calls for the existence of a tribunal in every diocese of the world. The Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Hartford is a staff of specially trained and experienced priests, religious and lay persons who offer assistance to parties who have reason to doubt the validity of their marriage. The Tribunal then investigates the marriage, and, on completion of the investigation, declares whether or not invalidity has been proved.

What is Marriage?

The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is, by God’s plan, an enduring and exclusive partnership between a man and a woman for the giving and receiving of love and for the procreation and education of children. From a marriage properly celebrated arises a bond between the spouses which by its very nature is perpetual and exclusive.

For those who have been baptized, a valid marriage is also a sacrament. The Catholic Church also teaches that every sacramental marriage that has been consummated is indissoluble. This is in accord with the Sacred Scriptures and centuries of Catholic tradition.

How to Petition for an Annulment

Below are online versions of our applications and forms to download and print: